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Our next regularly scheduled newsletter will be July 10th.
Points with Paul
Thank you, Scott
This is VPR Scott Whittenburg’s last few weeks at UM before retirement, and I would like to take this chance to break his primary rule and say “Thank You” for his contributions to the research enterprise.
Over the past decade, research funding at UM has grown at a pace that outstrips the national average and far exceeds that of similar institutions. Faculty are central to research productivity: they drive innovation, secure research funding, and mentor students who carry out much of the research activity. Scott’s commitment to hiring research-active faculty and securing resources necessary for their success is foundational to this growth. Research funding is vital to UM’s mission and priorities. From enabling lower interest rates for bonds that support campus infrastructure, to expanding internship opportunities, to supporting patents for the next breakthrough in vaccine technology, research growth helps the whole community.
Over the same period, graduate education at UM has flourished. Enrollment increased by more than 40%, and graduate students now comprise nearly 30% of the student population. Our graduates leave UM prepared for impactful and well-compensated careers. This progress reflects Scott’s efforts to build the Graduate School into a highly professional operation capable of supporting more than 3,000 students. He has tirelessly reinforced the importance of graduate student education to the university’s mission. These students drive research and provide teaching and mentorship that enrich the undergraduate experience.
Finally, Scott exemplifies an entrepreneurial mindset. He seeks out opportunities, even when the initial fit may not seem obvious, and works to shape them into meaningful successes. That is an example we can all carry forward as we continue to support our thriving research community.
Congratulations, Scott, and thank you for advancing GR1Z research.
News & Updates
Proposed NIH Policy Change
The NIH is asking for public comment as they consider limiting how many research project grants (RPGs) a single investigator can lead at once. The goal of this proposed change is to distribute funding more broadly, support a wider range of ideas and researchers, strengthen the workforce—especially early- and mid-career scientists—and improve project oversight, mentorship, and research quality. The deadline for comments is August 3rd.
Research and Creative Scholarship Stories
In case you missed it: Read about the SUBSEA Expedition!
Matt Church from the University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station led a 35-day expedition in the South Atlantic to study one of Earth’s largest and least understood ecosystems: subtropical ocean gyres.
Working aboard the research vessel Falkor (too), the interdisciplinary team—from UM, the Flathead Lake Biological Station, and international collaborators—examined how carbon and nutrients move through the ocean’s sunlit surface and twilight zones below. By collecting water samples, tracking sinking particles, and monitoring microbial activity, they aimed to better understand how these vast systems regulate climate and support marine life.
The project, part of the SUBSEA collaboration supported by Schmidt Sciences, highlights how scientists based in landlocked Montana contribute to global ocean research. It also provided hands-on experience for students and early-career researchers, emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and the growing accessibility of ocean science as well as the opportunities available to students at UM. For the full story, head to the exposure page.
Photo Credit, Bernada Cornejo Pinto/Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Funding & Other Opportunities
Montana Space Grant Consortium
Deadline: July 15, 2026
The Montana NASA EPSCoR 2027-2028, $750,000 research group award is now available. Due to federal funding changes, this is an expedited process: applications are due July 15, 2026. One application will receive the Montana Space Grant nomination for federal funding starting in the spring of 2027. Research must be related to NASA's areas of interest. Read the entire RFP here.
Funding Reminders
Follow links for complete details
Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research at the Interface of the Biological and Mathematical Sciences (DMS/NIGMS)
The Mathematical Biology Program supports research in all areas of mathematical sciences with relevance to the biological sciences. Successful proposals must demonstrate mathematical innovation, biological relevance and significance, and strong integration between mathematics and biology.
Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
Deadline: October 21, 2026
The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to support planning and development, including pilot or feasibility research, to improve health in Native populations. Read the updated NOFO on the NIH website.
Limited Submissions
When a program announcement limits the number of proposals that we may submit, we have an internal process to ensure that we do not exceed that limit. If you're interested in one of the following opportunities, follow the instructions to submit a concept by the internal deadline indicated below. PIs must confirm eligibility prior to submission.
The following funding opportunity has a short turnaround time, so we are expediting the limited submission process. If you are interested in this funding opportunity, please reach out to Katherine Swan. If interest exceeds the number of proposals that we can submit, we will request additional information at that time.
